Fellow Child Stars’ Tributes to ‘Dennis the Menace’ Star Jay North
by Best Classic Bands Staff
Jay North (at R) as Dennis Mitchell with neighbor George Wilson (Joseph Kearns) at C and best friend Tommy Anderson (Billy Booth) in an episode from Season One of Dennis the Menace.
Jay North, the child actor who starred as the impish, titular character in the ’60s sitcom, Dennis the Menace, died today (April 6, 2025), at age 73. The news of his death from cancer was shared by fellow child star Jon Provost, who portrayed Timmy in TV’s Lassie. Provost and his wife, Laurie Jacobson, were told of North’s passing by Dennis co-star Jeannie Russell, who played the character’s friend, Margaret Wade.
North died at his Lake Butler, Fla. home after having battled colon cancer for several years. Russell told the Hollywood Reporter that she called him her “otherworldly brother.”
“I share this news with a heavy, heavy heart,” wrote Provost on his Facebook page. “We just lost another original and dear friend, Jay North. I’ve known Jay for almost 70 years. It wasn’t as easy for you as it was for some of us, not that it was a piece of cake that’s for sure, but you did suffer a lot more than most. You were a great guy Jay and I miss you with all my heart, but I know you’re at peace now.”
Provost was referring to the inordinate amount of work that was pushed on North at such a young age. He was eight when Dennis the Menace, based on the comic strip by Hank Ketcham, debuted in 1959. Raised by a working single mother, it was her sister and brother-in-law who served as North’s guardians on the show’s set. His abusive work schedule included filming commercials for many of the series’ sponsors and to fly around the country to promote the program. His aunt prevented him from socializing with other members of the cast and the youngster was often alone in his dressing room. Though the series lasted only four seasons, far more episodes—146—were produced at the time than the customary 22-24 in later eras.
In her post, Jacobson wrote, “As many of his fans know, he had a difficult journey in Hollywood and after…but he did not let it define his life. He had a heart as big as a mountain, loved his friends deeply. He called us frequently and ended every conversation with ‘I love you with all my heart.’ And we loved him with all of ours. A life-long friend of Jon’s, a brother to Jeanne and a dear friend to me, we will miss him terribly. He is out of pain now. His suffering is over. At last he is at peace.”
Another child star, Bill Mumy, a longtime musician but perhaps best known for his role as Will Robinson on TV’s Lost in Space, also posted a tribute: “R.I.P. Jay North. I didn’t know him very well, but we appeared at quite a lot of events together. We only socialized a few times, but the ‘Child Star Club’ is a small and always tightly connected group. It’s an experience that only a few can truly relate to and understand from the inside… especially if you went through it at the same time, which he and I did.
For some people, like myself, the professional child acting experience was a very positive thing. For others, like Jay, it was a dark and negative thing. I am sorry it was so rough for him. He made a lot of people happy with his work as an actor. Cancer is a nasty monster and it has claimed another who battled it bravely. Onward.”
Angela Cartwright, who played Mumy’s sister, Penny, in Lost in Space, wrote on her Facebook page, “Over the years, our paths crossed many times, often at events where our shows ran concurrently. We shared countless moments, from photo sessions to joint appearances, including twice co-hosting the Dinah Shore Show. During the holidays, we’d exchange Christmas cards, fondly reminiscing about the exclusive ‘Child Star Club,’ a unique group to which only a few belonged.
“Life wasn’t always kind to you, Jay, but now, wherever you are, I hope you’ve finally become the pirate you always dreamed of being. Rest in peace, my friend.”
Jay North and Butch Patrick (Photo via Patrick’s Facebook page)
Butch Patrick, Eddie Munster on The Munsters wrote, “This is a tough one. Jay was a very good friend. Kid actors from the 60’s are a pretty small group to begin with and it’s shrinking quickly. This pic was 7 years ago. The business was tough on Jay. He seemed happy in Florida and I’m glad he’s at peace. I can’t imagine the workload that being Dennis put on him. It definitely wasn’t a good time. I had a great run but lots of others were damaged goods after. R.I.P. my dearest friend. We had a lotta laughs. Thank you Paul Petersen [Jeff on TV’s The Donna Reed Show] and Jeanne Russell for your friendship and help for Jay.”
Erin Murphy, who played Tabitha on TV’s Bewitched from 1966-1972, wrote, “So sad to share the news about the passing of my old friend, Jay North. I was lucky to call him a friend.”
North, born August 3, 1951, in Hollywood, Calif., continued acting post-Dennis, appearing in episodes of dozens of other series. He starred in a 1966 feature film, Maya, as well as its subsequent one-season TV series. It wasn’t until the 1990s that he went public with the abuse inflicted by his aunt. He later worked as a correctional officer, working with troubled youth.
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1 Comment so far
Jump into a conversationHis death has made me cry. Each morning I watch Dennis the Menace, while I eat my breakfast. I am 73 as well.